AUSTRALIA DAY | GREAT AUSSIE BBQ

Australia Day held on 26 January is always an important day at the CYCSA and this year it continued to live up to expectations. The Club was booked out for a BBQ lunch with close to 200 members, their guests and non-members who entered the spirit of the day by dressing in true Aussie fashion. Some women wore sequinned dresses made up of the Australian flag. Others wore hats or hair attachments with flags that fluttered as they walked. Men who wore brightly coloured hats and shirts added to the festival atmosphere but even those in shorts and thongs reflected the Australian way. The Chef produced some exceptional food, all laid out in a Baine Marie for diners to take as much or as little as they chose. There were a variety of salads plus lamb chops, ham, prawns, chicken shaslicks, sausages and other dishes to make plates overflow, and nobody went away hungry. Desserts included individual lamingtons, fresh fruit salad, brandy snaps and pavlova. The food was well presented and the kitchen staff ensured there was something for everyone. Music was provided by the band Traxion who also played on Australia Day last year. Set up in the outer patio area, they soon picked the mood of the crowd and played Aussie songs and toe-tapping rock that had the dance floor buzzing. The kitchen and bar staff was kept busy but always with a smile. Wine and beer flowed, plates were cleared and the atmosphere relaxed as the afternoon wore on. A dolphin swam past almost appearing to be posing for a photograph to complete the day. Last year I said it was one of the best events I’ve been to at the Club. This year was even better. I’d better book a ticket for next year as this year was a sell-out.

Pat Catley